A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to establish a new legal association for the nation.
The decision came following a lawsuit filed by attorneys, including Bolaji Ayorinde, Mela Nunge, Garba Gajam, Emeka Ichoku, Chioma Ferguson, and Tejumola Adigun, who accused the CAC of refusing to register their group as a legal practitioner body in Nigeria. Justice Gladys Olotu delivered the verdict.
The plaintiffs submitted names such as “Nigerian Law Society,” “Nigerian Bar Society,” “Nigerian Lawyers’ Society,” and “Association of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria” to the CAC.
They argued that these names, considered for registration as a body of lawyers, were distinct from that of the Nigerian Bar Association and would not mislead the public.
Justice Olotu, citing Section 40 of the Constitution, Article 10 of the ACHPR, and Article 20 of the UDHR, affirmed the plaintiffs’ right to peaceful assembly and association.
The court found in favor of the attorneys, emphasizing their entitlement to register a legal association without undue hindrance.